6Elements ofOrofacial Harmony6Elements6E

1980-1990 The Six Elements of Orofacial Harmony™ •Publication of the book, “Straight Wire,

The Concept and Appliance”

The Andrews Foundation has been a leader in orthodontic research

and education since its formation in the 1960’s. Findings at the

foundation, which include the Six Keys™ to Optimal Occlusion and

the Straight-Wire Appliance, have had a profound influence on the

specialty of orthodontics. The founder, Dr. Larry Andrews, along with

his son and co-director Dr. Will Andrews, have more recently been

dedicated to research which has led to finding the Six Elements of

Orofacial Harmony™; the Six Elements are three-dimensional goals

for the jaws and teeth.

The Six Elements Orthodontic Philosophy is a comprehensive

approach to orthodontics which includes diagnosis, positionally-

correct classification, and treatment. This body of work has been

presented in meetings and courses in the Americas, Europe, and

Asia, is being taught in a growing number of universities around

the world, and will soon be published in a book. The Andrews

Foundation, now 50 years strong, continues to conduct research

aimed at improving orthodontic treatment and offers courses on the

Six Elements Philosophy.

The Andrews Foundation

Andrews Foundation Timeline

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The 6ElementsOrthodontic Philosophy

Optimal Jaw WidthsMandibular width is naturally optimal for most individuals. Maxillary width is optimal when the distance (X’ mm) between the mesio-lingual cusp tips of Element I maxillary first molars is equal to the distance (X mm) between the central fossae of the Element I mandibular first molars.

ELEMENT III

Optimal Anteroposterior (AP) Jaw PositionsThe AP position of the maxilla is optimal when the FA points of Element I maxillary incisors are on the Goal Anterior Limit Line (GALL). Mandibular AP position is optimal when it is in centric relation, the incisors are Element I and they interface optimally with Element I incisors in an optimal maxilla.

ELEMENT II

Optimal Tooth and Arch CharacteristicsAn arch is optimal when: the roots are centered over basal bone, the crowns are inclined so the teeth can interface and function optimally, the Curve of Spee is between 0 and 2.5 mm, the contact areas abut, and skeletal maxillary width is in harmony with skeletal mandibular width (Element III).

ELEMENT I

The 6Elements Orthodontic Philosophy is a revolutionary, 3-dimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. Treatment is performed with an updated version of the Straight-Wire Appliance.

Optimal OcclusionOptimal occlusion involves: the Six Keys to Optimal Occlusion*, Element I teeth and arches, and the Element II, III, and IV jaw positions. Collectively, these are the characteristics of an esthetic, functional, and healthy occlusion.

ELEMENT VI

Optimal Chin ProminenceChin prominence is measured independently AP of jaw position. Assuming normal soft tissue thickness, chin prominence is optimal when pogonion point matches the prominence of the FA points of Element I mandibular incisors.

ELEMENT V

Optimal Jaw HeightsJaw heights are optimal when: the tooth positions are Element I, the middle anterior, lower anterior, and posterior face heights are equal, the maxillary incisors’ FA points are level with the lower border of the upper lip in repose, and the occlusal plane is in harmony with function and esthetics.

ELEMENT IV

Q: How complete is the Six Elements Orthodontic Philosophy?

A: We know of no other philosophy that is more complete and more defendable. It has been 40 years in the making, and practiced for over 20 years. It has been peer-reviewed by independent researchers, and lectured-about worldwide since 1990. It is being practiced by a growing number of orthodontists and taught, in part or in its entirety, in most orthodontic departments throughout the world.

THE6ELEMENTS OFOROFACIALHARMONY™.The Six Elements of Orofacial Harmony are the characteristics found to be shared by individuals with optimal occlusion and balanced faces.

Q: What are the Six Elements?

A: The Six Elements are optimal treatment goals for the six areas for which orthodontists have diagnostic responsibility. The areas are: the arch (width, shape, and length), AP jaw positions, jaw widths, jaw heights, chin prominence, and occlusion.

Q: What is the Six Elements Philosophy?

A: It is a complete set of treatment goals, rules for treating, and a 3-D postionally-correct classification system that is based on the Six Elements of Orofacial Harmony.

Q: What do you mean when you refer to “orofacial harmony”?

A: Orofacial harmony exists when the teeth, arches, and jaws are positioned in ways that contribute maximally to oral and facial appearance, function, and health.

Q: Can the same Six Elements treatment goals be used for most patients?

A: Even though people differ in size, shape, gender, age, and race, when measured relative to the Six Elements, those variables have surprisingly little effect on the optimal positions and relationships of teeth, arches, and jaws.

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For more information on our products and education offerings, please contact us:In the U.S. 888.851.0533 I Outside the U.S. +(1) 760 448 8600 I Canada: CERUM 800.661.9567To fax an order: 800.888.7244 I To email an order: USASales@OrthoOrganizers.com

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The Andrews Foundation and Ortho Organizers®

With over 35 years of manufacturing experience, and offering state-of-the-art manufacturing

capabilities, Ortho Organizers was the perfect choice for the Andrews Foundation to be the

exclusive manufacturer and distributor of the products developed at the Andrews Foundation.

“We have had the pleasure to work closely with Ortho Organizers’ talented Marketing

and Engineering teams to bring the Six Elements ideas and the Andrews products to the

orthodontic community,” said Drs. Larry and Will Andrews.